Ryan Reynolds’ new film Deadpool delighted fans to the tune of $132 million during its
opening weekend, but no one was more excited (and surprised!) to see the movie than 13-year-old Edmonton-native Connor McGrath. The youngster was treated to a
screening of the action flick before its Feb. 12 release date, courtesy of its
leading man. In collaboration with the Make-A-Wish foundation, the Canadian
actor travelled to Alberta to meet Connor, who is battling leukemia.

Speaking with Global News, the comic book fan says he was “speechless” when he spotted Ryan in
the hallway of the Stollery Children’s Hospital. “I was walking down a pair of stairs and then he kind of like
turned the corner and stood in front of me so I kind of just stood there like
‘whoa- that’s you,” recalled Connor, adding that the experience was, “astonishing.
He’s a really nice guy.” Originally, the foundation had arranged for Connor and
his family to travel to Los Angeles to see the flick but those plans fell
through due to medical concerns.

Meeting the brave Deadpool
fan was as much of an honour for Ryan as it was a dream come true for Connor. The
40-year-old actor shared a memorable picture from the get-together on Facebook
alongside a heartfelt letter encouraging fans to help his new friend “put
cancer in his rearview mirror” by donating to a crowdfunding campaign.

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